A Note about Holy Communion

If you prefer to receive holy Communion under “both kinds” - that is , the body and blood - it is important to note that “since Christ is sacramentally present under each of the species, communion under the species bread alone makes it possible to receive all the fruit of Eucharistic grace” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1390). It is also worth noting that, in the United States, Communion in the hand is allowed by permission of Pope Paul VI, but the decision on which way to receive (in the hand or on the tongue) ultimately is left up to the faithful, not the extraordinary minister or the pastor. However, the Code of Canon law states that , in view of the common good, “ecclesiastical authority can direct the exercise of rights which are proper to the Christian faithful,” which means that, for reasons of the common good, the bishop may request and urge the faithful to receive holy Communion in the hand (see Canon 223). Finally, reception of Communion is not a requirement for those attending Mass. Indeed, the sacraments are gifts generously bestowed upon us by our Creator, and sometimes we find reason that we should forego the gift for a time. The tradition of the Church has long held that the faithful unable or unwilling to receive the body and blood of Christ at Mass might instead participate in a “Spiritual Communion” - what St. Thomas Aquinas described as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him.”
Reprinted with permission of Our Sunday Visitor, Inc.